Liver transplantation for benign hepatic tumors: a systematic review.

Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) has been performed for several benign hepatic tumors. Most of these diseases are usually managed conservatively, or treated by liver resection. OLT might be required when the lesions are symptomatic, diffuse in hepatic parenchyma, causing life-threatening complications or malignant transformation cannot be ruled out. Polycystic liver disease is the most common indication for OLT. We present a review of transplantable benign hepatic lesions to evaluate the need of OLT for these diseases, to summarize in which OLT is a good therapeutic option, and to show the early and long-term survival which might be expected. Copyright 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.